St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik and members of the Mayor’s Golf Tournament Committee made a $10,000 donation to Gillian’s Place Wednesday.Photo submitted

Mayor Walter Sendzik and the Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament committee have made a $10,000 donation Tuesday Dec. 5/2017 to Gillian’s Place from the proceeds of the summer tournament.

The donation will assist Gillian’s Place in providing necessary items and programs for women and children seeking safety and support at the St. Catharines shelter.

“For 40 years, Gillian’s Place has been a shining light of hope for women and children to transform their lives. While I am proud we are able to make this donation to Gillian’s Place, like many of us, I also hope for a day when shelters for women and children who are escaping violence and abuse will no longer be necessary. I call out to all partners and allies to take action – speak out against gender based violence and end violence against women,” stated Mayor Walter Sendzik.

“Gillian’s Place is so grateful for the ongoing support of the Mayor, and of the Committee, and all of the golf tournament attendees, especially during our 40th anniversary. Sadly, we have not yet seen an end to gender-based violence, however in our 40 years, we have become much better at serving the women and children who need our services, and this is in large part thanks to the incredible support of our community. The courage of a woman alone is not enough,” said Tanja Loeb, Executive Director

The Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser held by the sitting mayor of St. Catharines with the support of an organizing committee. Recipients of the tournament proceeds include local charities and non-profit organizations. Previous recipients include the Pathstone Foundation, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Foundation, YWCA Niagara Region, Youth Unlimited St. Catharines, the Niagara Health System It’s Our Time Campaign, the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, the Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation and more. The 2018 tournament will be held on Monday, July 23 at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. Details will be announced in early 2018 at www.mayorsendzik.ca.